A 99 is typically sold by ice cream vans and parlours and is a classic holiday memory of most British people.
The classic 99 uses Mr Whippy soft ice cream. Variations include a 99 with two flakes and a 99 with strawberry or raspberry topping sauce.
The 99 was invented by Cadbury's to increase chocolate sales. According to Cadbury the name came from Italy: "In the days of the monarchy in Italy the King has a specially chosen guard consisting of 99 men, and subsequently anything really special or first class was known as 99 – and that his how 99 Flake came by its name."
There are many references to 99's in British pop culture. Notably, the pop-electronica duo The KLF used ice cream van iconography and included the phrase "Make mine a 99" in their songs.